University of Kentucky College of Dentistry students are earning national recognition for their growing involvement in endodontics. An unprecedented number of students attended and presented research at the 2026 American Association of Endodontists (AAE) Annual Meeting, showcasing both the strength of the College's endodontics program and a student-driven culture of engagement that continues to gain attention nationwide.
Dr. Alfred Wiemann, professor and director of the Division of Endodontics at the UK College of Dentistry, said what distinguished UKCD at this year's meeting was not simply the number of students who attended, but the quality of their work and the professionalism they displayed throughout the conference.
"Although I am aware of dental students from other institutions presenting at our AAE annual session, the number of students involved from UKCD, the depth and interest that their presentations generated, their overall professionalism and the large number of participants is simply unprecedented," Wiemann said. "This did not go unnoticed by many longtime educators at other colleges and by the AAE Board of Directors and Executive Committee."
Among those contributing to that impression was UKCD student Samuel Sparks, who attended the meeting for the first time and presented research examining the impact of didactic and hands-on training on dental students' knowledge and confidence in managing endodontic perforations.
"It was a great privilege to be selected to present at the AAE Annual Meeting," Sparks said. "Almost everyone had genuine interest in our research topic and were encouraged by seeing us dental students conducting and presenting research."
The project found that dedicated training in perforation management could strengthen dental students' preparation for managing complex endodontic cases. For Sparks, presenting the research provided an opportunity to contribute to conversations about dental education while learning from experts across the specialty.
Throughout the meeting, Sparks gained a broader perspective on the future of endodontics and the role students and residents are playing in advancing the field.
"I was impressed by the degree to which dental students and endodontic residents were attempting to progress the field of endodontics through research," Sparks said. "Additionally, the amount of novel endodontic technologies on display was quite staggering."
The conference also provided opportunities to build professional relationships and explore potential career paths. Having recently completed an externship with the Rohde Endodontic Program at Fort Bragg, Sparks welcomed the opportunity to reconnect with Army endodontic residents and continue learning about military dentistry.
"I was able to speak with incoming Army residents, get a better picture of Army dentistry and receive advice on fine-tuning my application," Sparks said. "I tend toward introversion, so getting outside my comfort zone and networking with others in the specialty of endodontics was exactly what I needed."
Beyond the research presentations, the meeting exposed students to continuing education, emerging technologies and the professional community they will join after graduation.
"Attending a national meeting of specialists like the AAE is always exciting and rejuvenating for faculty, our postgraduate students and our DMD students," Wiemann said. "We preach about becoming lifelong learners. Being present at a meeting like this, with the extensive continuing education opportunities and exhibit hall showcasing the latest technology, reinforces this goal."
For many students, experiences like the AAE Annual Meeting offer a glimpse of the opportunities available beyond dental school and reinforce the importance of ongoing professional development.
"It is another opportunity for them to see firsthand what a profession they have entered and all the resources available to help them attain their goals," Wiemann said.
Wiemann said the students' success reflects a culture that has been intentionally built within the College over the past several years.
A key driver of that momentum has been the Kentucky Endodontic Study Group (KESG), a student-founded organization that has grown to approximately 90 members and created new opportunities for students to engage with the specialty.
"Much of the credit for this is due to the KESG, founded just a few years ago by the students themselves and now approaching 90 members," Wiemann said. "I am unaware of anything like this at any institution."
Faculty say the organization's influence extends beyond membership numbers, helping foster enthusiasm for endodontics throughout the College and strengthening connections between students, residents and faculty.
"Dr. Mark Schachman and myself like to boast about the culture of endodontics at UKCD, the excitement and energy it has brought to our college and the bright future it presents for all DMD students," Wiemann said.
Wiemann said the students represented both themselves and the College exceptionally well throughout the meeting.
"As I told the students at our dinner gathering in Salt Lake City, they all brought great credit upon their school and themselves through their superb participation in our meeting," Wiemann said. "I was very proud of each and every one of them for their hard work, diligence, preparation and professionalism."
As UKCD students continue to expand their presence at national meetings, faculty see it as further evidence that the College's commitment to mentorship, research and student engagement is preparing graduates to contribute to the future of the profession while earning recognition for UKCD on a national stage.